Forks Planners Back New Business Uses

The Forks Township Planning Commission last night recommended the supervisors approve plans to substitute new businesses for existing businesses on two separate commercial properties.

Carmello Piperato, owner of the Friendly Tavern property at 2149 Bushkill Park Drive, received approval to rent half of his building to Guy and Valeria Christopher, who wish to operate an electrical motor repair shop on the premises. Piperato currently uses that portion of the Friendly Tavern building to house his construction contracting business. Approval was granted the plan on the condition Piperato agree not to operate the contracting business on the property.

Similar approval was given to the plans of Norman Falk, owner of the Firehouse Lounge, 1600 Sullivan Trail. The premise housed an apartment, tavern and dip and strip business. Falk wanted to rent portions of the non-operating tavern for use as florist and upholstery shops, leaving the remainder of the tavern available should he be able to open the business at a future date.

The planning commission ruled that although the property was zoned for multiple uses, any addition of uses by adding businesses on the property would have to be approved by the zoning hearing board.

A compromise agreement enabled Falk to lease a portion of the property as a florist shop, provided he agree not to operate the tavern business. The planners told Falk he would have to seek zoning hearing board approval for any future plans to open the upholstery or tavern businesses.

The planning commission also recommended approval of site plan for a Bagelsmith restaurant in the Arcury building on Sullivan Trail. Wayne Smith, originator of the Bagelsmith franchise, told the planners that Wayne Oyer, operator of the Phillipsburg franchise, would run the business.

Smith successfully argued the need of his business and others in the Arcury building for a non-facade sign that exceeds the 32-square-foot requirements of the township. The planners agreed to recommend to the zoning hearing board that a special exception be granted to the property.